Made in D.C. gears up for second wave of local stewardship

On the heels of its successful first season, A Few Cool Hardware Stores will be launching the second installment of its Made in D.C. program, which is expanding to the co-op's four Maryland locations as a separate program called Made in Maryland.

The Ace Hardware dealer initially developed the program in response to demand for locally sourced products. In partnership with Think Local First D.C., owners Marc Friedman and Gina Schaefer beta launched the program in April 2013 to help support the local economy and encourage creative entrepreneurship in the D.C. area.

"The Made in D.C. program was so well-received in Washington D.C. that we wanted to expand it to our Maryland stores," said Schaefer. "We love the idea of sourcing products locally, and we know our customers do, too. It is our responsibility as a local business to take action to provide those opportunities for the vendors and promote economic growth in their communities."

Made in D.C.'s second season will start on Aug. 1 and will take place at the 9 AFCHS locations in D.C. and Maryland. Each store will have a dedicated section showcasing handmade products by a local manufacturer.

Vendors interested in participating in the program must reside in the D.C. or Maryland area and must submit their applications by July 5.